Evening Stars (38 page)

He took her hand and led her into his bedroom. He threw back the covers with one jerk of his wrist and then pulled open the nightstand drawer and grabbed a box of condoms. Finally he turned to her and pulled her close.

She went into his embrace easily. As she moved next to him, she took his hands and placed them on her breasts. Then she began to kiss him.

They explored each other’s bodies while standing, then moved to the bed. He touched her as he had before and when he stroked her between her legs, she found the glorious promise of her release was exactly as she remembered.

But as she got closer, as she trembled, she had him stop and put on his condom. Just as they’d always done. When he entered her, filling her, watching her as intently as she watched him, she quivered on the edge.

“Dylan,” she breathed, barely able to keep from coming.

“Sweet Nina.”

He filled her and withdrew, then pushed in deeper. She cried out, so nearly there.

“Ready?” he asked, obviously remembering what they had done together before so many times.

She nodded once and braced herself. He increased the speed and intensity of their lovemaking. Faster and deeper. On the third stroke she lost herself to the pleasure pouring through her. She wrapped her legs around his hips, holding him as deep as she could, crying out her release, but careful to keep her eyes open. He came seconds later, allowing her to see down to his soul. As he always had.

Later when they were snuggled together under the covers, she rested her chin on his shoulder. “I can’t stay.”

“I know.”

“I don’t mean tonight. I mean I’m leaving Blackberry Island.”

“I know,” he repeated.

She looked at him. “You’re letting me go?”

“It’s what makes you happy.”

“What happened to fighting for me?”

He smiled lazily. “I have a plan for that.”

“Want to share?”

“It’s a surprise.”

* * *

“You have a call,” Holly yelled, running into Nina’s office.

Nina stared at the office receptionist. “Why do you have my cell phone?”

Holly shook it at her. “Answer it!”

Nina took the phone. “Hello?”

“Nina Wentworth?” an unfamiliar female voice asked.

“Yes.”

“I’m Marian Underwood, at Tufts University School of Medicine. I’m calling about your application.”

Twenty minutes later, Nina put her cell phone on her desk. Her hands shook, and there was a faint ringing sound in her ears. She was conscious, so she knew she had to be breathing, but it didn’t feel like it. Air wasn’t necessary.

Andi burst into her office. Her very pregnant boss danced to her desk. “I’ve known for two
hours!
It’s been a nightmare not to say anything. I had Holly get your cell phone and keep it on her desk so you wouldn’t miss the call. I hate you for abandoning me, but you were going to go do volunteer work anyway, so I’m not going to be bitter.” She paused. “Nina? Are you okay?”

“I got in,” Nina said, barely able to form words, let alone believe them. “I got in!”

She stood, then walked around her desk. She and Andi jumped up and down before hugging.

“You got in!” Andi laughed. “I knew having medical phenom parents would pay off at some point. And it has. At least for you. Are you in shock?”

“Beyond shock.”

She’d spent the past month figuring out what she wanted to do and waiting to hear on her application. She hadn’t contacted any of the clinics she’d identified, mostly because she hadn’t wanted to say she wanted to work there only to have to call back and explain she couldn’t make it after all. She’d hoped, she’d worried, but she wasn’t sure she’d actually believed...until this minute.

“I have a million things to do,” she said. “There are forms and they want money. A lot of money.” A problem because the painting hadn’t sold yet.

Andi squeezed her shoulders. “Don’t worry. I’m going to loan you what you need to get started, and you’ll pay me back when you’re rich. It’s only for a few months, and I can totally afford it, so don’t try saying no.”

Nina hugged her. “You’re the best.”

“Something my husband tells me all the time. So I’m starting to believe it.” She grinned. “When do you have to be there?”

“Classes start in six weeks.”

“That soon?”

Nina nodded, then realized all she had to get done. “I need a place to stay, I have to figure out what I’m taking and—” She looked at Andi. “I don’t want to leave you in the lurch, right when you’re going to have a baby.”

“The baby is still a couple of months away, and I’ll start interviewing within the week. I can do this.” Andi drew her eyebrows together. “You’re not using me as an excuse not to follow your dream, kid. You’re out of here. Go home. Make lists. We’ll be fine. Just remember, there’s going to be a party for you before you leave.”

“I can’t wait,” Nina said, still in shock over everything that was happening.

* * *

Nina drove home, careful to keep her attention on the road. She had a lot to do, but getting into an accident wouldn’t help. It was mid-July, and there were tourists everywhere. Some of them had been to the various wine tastings.

She pulled into her driveway and raced inside.

“Are you two here?” she called, grateful her mother and Bertie had gotten home the previous day from their trip to New York.

Bertie stepped out of the kitchen while Bonnie walked out of the den. She had reading glasses in her hand.

“Nina? What are you doing home so early?” Bertie asked. “Is everything okay?”

“I got in,” Nina breathed. “I got into medical school. I start in six weeks.”

Both women screamed, then lunged for her. There was group jumping followed by hugging.

“I have so much to do,” Nina said. “I don’t know where to start. Packing and housing and I’m going to need supplies and I don’t know what. Should I sell my car? Drive it to Boston? I should call Averil and I want to see her on the way. What do you think about a trip out there right away? And Dylan. I have to tell Dylan.”

And while medical school was her dream, telling him she was leaving was going to be difficult. Because over the past month, she’d been spending most of her spare time with him. She was at his condo several nights a week. He said this was what he wanted for her, but...

“We’ll start a list,” Bertie said, heading for the kitchen. “I’ll get a pad of paper. Once it’s all written down, it will be easier.”

* * *

Three hours later, Nina had a plan. The to-do list was several pages long, but that was okay. At least she knew what she had to get done. She sat at the desk in the room where she’d grown up and wondered how different she would be in a year or four.

She’d already called her sister, and they’d arranged a visit. Nina was going to go see her on her way to Boston in late August. She was driving. In the next week she would go to find housing. That trip would be by plane. All the big stuff was planned—except for telling Dylan.

“How are you feeling?”

Nina turned and saw her mother walking into her room.

“Stressed. Wide-eyed. But I’ll be okay.”

Bonnie, tall and beautiful in shorts and a tank top, all lush curves and easy smile, kissed the top of her head, then settled on the bed.

“I’m so proud of you,” her mother told her. “Not just of you getting into medical school, but all of it. You’re a wonderful daughter.”

“Thank you.” Nina bit her lip. “You’re only going to have Bertie now, Mom. You’re going to have to take care of some things on your own.”

“So I’ve been told.” She scooted back and sat cross-legged on the mattress. “Bertie and I had a wonderful time in New York. I’d never been there before. We did all the touristy things and saw two shows. Then we met with the auction people. Did I tell you Ambrose joined us?”

“No. But I’m glad he helped you.”

“He did. He’s very restful, for a man.” Bonnie smiled. “I think the young man at the auction house was a little disappointed. He knew that Bertie and I are together, and I think he was a little excited about us being lesbians.” Her smile widened. “Unfortunately I’m fairly sure he was expecting two hot girls, not a couple of middle-aged women.”

She leaned toward Nina. “Regardless, the auction is scheduled. They’re as confident as Ambrose that we’ll get at least ten million. So you’ll have your money for your education.”

“Thanks, Mom. You’re being really generous.”

“No. I’m doing what’s right. I haven’t always.” The smile faded. “I never wanted to grow up. Peter Pan was my hero. I liked letting other people take care of me. If they didn’t do so good a job, it was still better than having to do it myself. But my mom stepped up and then you. I never had to be more.”

“And now?” Nina asked.

“I don’t like it, but I’m doing it. People can change, I guess. I have so much, Nina. A wonderful woman who loves me, two beautiful and successful daughters who love me.” One corner of her mouth turned up. “Because it’s always about me.”

She drew in a breath. “I’m so happy. Even without the painting and all that silliness, I was happy. But you weren’t. I see that now. You were trapped because I wanted to be Peter Pan. I’m so sorry.”

“Mom,” Nina began, emotion tightening her throat.

“Don’t say it was okay, because it wasn’t. I want you to promise you’ll do exactly what you want from now on. Find work that you love, a partner you can care about. Maybe children. I want you to have it all.”

“I want that, too,” Nina admitted, her thoughts immediately wandering.

“Dylan?” her mother asked.

Nina nodded. “I’m going to miss him. A lot. We’ve gotten close again, but now I’m leaving.”

“Maybe he’ll go with you.”

“He’s in practice with his father. That’s what he promised and what he was always going to do.”

“People change,” her mother repeated.

“Not that much.”

“You did. Look at how different you are from just five or six months ago. You’ve learned to let go. You’re doing what is important to you, the rest of the world be damned.”

Nina smiled. “I wouldn’t go that far.”

“Keep trying. You’ll get there.” Her mother studied her. “You’re my daughter and I love you. Accept that I’m going to make mistakes. Trust me to fix them. Trust Bertie to watch out for me. It’s time for you to go, Nina girl. Take my love with you and bring it back when you visit us.”

“Oh, Mom.”

Nina stumbled to her feet, tears filling her eyes. Her mother hugged her close.

* * *

Averil picked Penny up from the groomers right at eleven. She’d already been to the grocery store to get steaks for that night and a bottle of Malbec. Kevin and Nina both liked it and she couldn’t stand it, which would make watching them drink it a little easier to take.

“You’re stunning,” Averil told her dog as they walked to the car. “A real beauty. All the boys are going to want you.”

Penny yawned as if to say she’d been spayed and boys really weren’t her thing, but she would take the compliment.

They drove home, and Averil went to work on the salad she was making for lunch. A little before noon she heard a car in the driveway and headed for the door. Nina was already walking up the walkway.

They hugged tightly.

“Hey, sis,” Averil said, leading the way inside. “Someone is very excited to see you.”

Sure enough, Penny raced toward Nina, her tail wagging as she barked and yipped. Nina dropped to her knees and hugged her.

Averil took a second to take in the changes from the last time she’d seen her sister.

For one thing, Nina had cut her hair. Gone was the long straight hair hanging down her back. Instead she had a short, layered cut that barely covered the nape of her neck. Also missing was the slightly disapproving air, as if she was waiting for anyone within a six-mile radius to screw up.

“Love the new hair,” Averil said as Nina rose.

“Thanks.” Nina touched the back of her head. “I thought it would be easier to take care of. I just have to towel it dry and comb it. When it dries, it looks like this.” She shrugged. “I know it’s silly, but I’m trying to streamline everything before I start school.”

“Whatever the reason, it looks great. Come on, you must be starved. I have lunch waiting.”

They went into the kitchen, and Nina leaned against the counter while Averil continued fixing lunch.

“How are things?” her sister asked.

“Great,” Averil told her. “There’s an envelope right there. Why don’t you open it and read it?”

Nina did and studied the email Averil had printed out. “I don’t understand,” she said, looking confused. “It’s a rejection.”

Averil grinned. “I know. From a
publisher.
I finished my book. I finished it, polished it and got an agent. That’s my first-ever rejection. I’m thinking of having it framed.”

“You finished your book?”

Averil nodded. “I know. Pretty damned impressive, if I do say so myself. Kevin’s so proud. He told everyone about the rejection, then had to explain why we were happy about it. Obviously I’d rather sell, but it’s still out at a few places, and my agent has faith in me. I’m not giving up. I’ve already started a new book.”

She glanced toward the table and pretended dismay. “Oh, darn. I didn’t clear all that stuff away. Can you grab some of the crap and move it to the counter?”

“Sure,” Nina said and walked over. She reached for the thick book right in the middle.

Averil waited as her sister glanced at the title. She’d considered wrapping baby booties in a box, but thought leaving out a copy of
What to Expect When You’re Expecting
was better. Certainly more normal than Kevin hovering beside her while she sat on the toilet, trying to pee on a stick. Eventually her bladder had come through, then they’d both waited breathlessly for the test to tell them the good news.

Nina looked from the book to Averil. “Are you—”

“Pregnant? Yes! Seven weeks. I think it was right after I got home.” She grinned. “Things were hot and heavy that first week, let me tell you.”

“Oh, my God! A baby. Have you told mom?”

“I thought we’d call her this afternoon. We can use the speakerphone. Then we’re going to celebrate tonight. Kevin is so excited. I am, too.”